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Aaron Ekblad signs extension with Panthers: report

Florida defenseman to get eight-year contract; has 27 goals in two NHL seasons

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad agreed to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension with the Florida Panthers on Friday, according to ESPN.

The contract would have an annual average value of $7.5 million and start with the 2017-18 season.

Ekblad, 20, had 15 goals, 10th among NHL defensemen, and 36 points in 78 games last season. He was the first pick of the 2014 NHL Draft and won the Calder Trophy in 2014-15. His 27 goals in two seasons are tied for ninth among defensemen.